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Having lived in its suburbs for many years, I have had the opportunity to really familiarize myself with the city of lights. It is not only the most romantic place on earth, it is also the most cultural. Founded in the Gaul era and assuming the name of Lutece under Roman occupation, this town grew from its cross-road location of the Seine river and the North-South route travelling through the Parisian bassin. Until the middle ages, Paris was only composed of two small islands: Ile St Louis and I le de la Cite which houses Notre Dame de Paris. With urban growth and the dawn of the Renaissance movement, the city spread along the shores to the North and the South. On the right bank, once can find the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden (location of the roy al palace burnt down during the revolution), and the Champs-Ellysees. Further north, such beautfiul edifices as Sacre-Coeur and l'Eglise de la Madeleine can be found.

On the left bank, the more intellectual locations can be found such as the Sorbonne and the majority of Parisian universities. Also in the southern section of Paris are the Eiffel Tower, les Invalides, le Jardin du Luxembourg, the ruins of Cluny, and the Montparnasse Tower. Regardless of where in Paris one is, there is no escaping its charm. Countless sidewalk cafe's provide marvelous spots for an afternoon beer or discussion over a cup of coffee or two. Additionally, countless book stores and merchants of antiquities make Paris a cultural and historic haven.

My favorite place in Paris has to be Montmartre. Located in the north part of the city (reccomended subway stop: Abesses), it is a maze of streets and stairwells around a hill ontop of which stands the Basilique de Sacre-Coeur. One could spend an entire day there even if it weren't for the multitude of tourists. The Place du Tertre has been an artist retreat ever since the days young men by the names of Manet and Picasso painted there. Also known for its nightlif e, once can find a variety of entertainment from off-street plays, to classical production to pornographic and erotic shows. Also, some of the best unknown off the beaten path restaurants are located in this section of Paris.

Ever since I first visited these mountains, I have been in love with them. Regardless of what happens in the world, in your life, these mountains stand firm, untarnished and exactly how you le ft them. I have often found solace while hiking along one of the thousand Alpine trails. The flora and fauna is unique as much as its scenery.

I have been in the Alps in all five of the major countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Although they are beautiful in all locales, I must state the most beautiful Alps are found in a rarely visited section of French Savoy (key towns: Briancon, Bourg d'Oisans, L'Alpe d'Huez). There one can fish, hunt, hike and camp during the summer time, ski, cross-country ski or bobsled in the winter. Eventhough such activities can be enjoyed throughout the Alps, that locale's friendliness and natural beauty is uncanny.

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